During the last two Springfield City Council meetings one alderman proposed shifting the responsibility of who gives pay raises to non-union employees. But his colleagues have refused to go along.
Currently, Springfield's mayor decides the cost of living adjustments. For the past three years, it has been 3 percent. But Ward Seven Alderman Joe McMenamin wants the council to have that responsibility. This year's budget limits that COLA to 2 percent. McMenamin says the city is recklessly spending money.
"And we're really borrowing money from our pensions to pay current employees so that later on they can get their pension on a higher salary base."
McMenamin and the City's Budget Director disagree about how much the increases are costing taxpayers.
McMenamin says he plans on introducing his ordinance for a third time. Union employees pay hikes are spelled out in their contracts. About 25 percent of the city workforce is non-union.
